Nike has had its fair share of prominent athletes as a partner. From NBA legends like Michael Jordan and LeBron James, to tennis phenoms such as Serena Williams, the sporting company has managed to secure the biggest figures in the sporting world.
When it comes to golf, there is no name bigger than Tiger Woods, and Nike has been by his side for years. Woods and Nike first partnered up in 1996 when the golf pro was just 20 years old, and since then, Woods has always been seen sporting the infamous swoosh logo.
However, the historic relationship is coming to an end.
Woods has worn Nike equipment for 27 years now, and it's hard to fathom that he ends his career sporting different apparel. But that is the case, as Woods posted on social media about his future with the company on Jan. 8.
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The Sporting News explains Woods' split with Nike
Is Tiger Woods leaving Nike?
On Jan. 8, Woods posted a message about his relationship with Nike, stating that he and the sports company would be going their separate ways.
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) January 8, 2024
"Over 27 years ago, I was fortunate to start a partnership with one of the most iconic brands in the world. The days since have been filled with so many amazing moments and memories, if I started naming them, I could go on forever. Phil Knight's passion and vision brought this Nike and Nike Golf partnership together and I want to personally thank him, along with the Nike employees and incredible athletes I have had the pleasure of working with along the way.
"People will ask if there is another chapter. Yes, there will certainly be another chapter. See you in LA!"
Nike confirmed the split in an Instagram post, with the caption on the photo reading, "It was a hell of a round, Tiger."
A potential breakup between the two had long been reported. Back in mid-December during the PNC Championship, No Laying Up reported that Woods and Nike would be splitting up.
Asked at the PNC Championship about rumors of a split, Woods told reporters only: "I’m still wearing their product."
Nike has reportedly been considering a move to shut down its entire golf division. The sporting company stopped making golf equipment in 2016, and has only sold apparel since then. Woods has been using clubs by TaylorMade, which does have an apparel section within the company; however, it is quite limited.
In addition to Woods, Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka would be other golfers with previous ties to Nike who would be leaving the company.
Tiger Woods-Nike contract
Woods made hundreds of millions of dollars with his agreement with Nike. In total, he will have made over $500 million with the company during their run together.
At 27 years and $500 million, Tiger Woods partnership with Nike was one of the longest-running and most lucrative endorsement deals in sports history. pic.twitter.com/EgvDxLPjLp
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) January 8, 2024
The first deal with the company that the golfer signed was a five-year, $40 million contract, which came in 1996, according to Golf Digest's John Strege. The first deal was a five-year agreement worth $40 million, which looks small compared to some of the others signed by the golfer.
Woods’ second contract came in 2001 when he signed a five-year extension that was worth roughly $100 million, according to Doug Ferguson of ABC News. His third deal, inked in 2006, was for seven years. While the exact amount is not known, it did come with an increase in pay.
In 2013, Woods signed a contract extension with Nike. The total amount has not been made official, however Business Insider cited the total to be $200 million. When the deal was completed, Woods' agent Mark Steinberg said he was
After the deal was done, Woods' agent Mark Steinberg said he was "confident (Tiger) will be with Nike for the rest of his career."
"We’re comfortable with where we ended up and the career trajectory that Tiger will be on with Nike," Steinberg said. “I’m thrilled we were able to complete this deal."
Of course, that was before Nike shut down its golfing equipment division, which could have played a factor into Woods' decision to look elsewhere for a new partner.
Woods' playing days are numbered as is, but now he will being ending his career without sporting the Nike swoosh.